Best Practices - Mock Interview Sessions ASCE Pittsburgh SectionSpring and Fall, 2012

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Kemal Niksic, P.E.Pittsburgh Section-Vice President

kemal.niksic@hatchmott.com

Sessions held for local University students

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• Pittsburgh Section Student Chapters• Carnegie Mellon University • Geneva College• University of Pittsburgh• University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown• Point Park University

Process

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• Workshops held on-campus at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University

• “Do’s and Do not’s of interviewing” was first presented in a 30-45 minute discussion covering• Attire• Etiquette• Professionalism

• All Pittsburgh Section students invited to attend.

Process

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• Following the presentation, students were paired with mock interviewers.

• Mock Interviewers made up of both experienced younger and section members. • More-experienced younger members and those with

hiring experience were encouraged to attend.

• Students participated in multiple mock interviews based on the number of volunteers.• When Students >> Volunteers, Graduating seniors

were given preference.

Learning experience for interviewers too!

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Provided questions not to ask!• What you can't ask: What religion do you

practice?• What to ask instead: What days are you available

to work?

• What you can't ask: How much longer do you plan to work before you retire?• What to ask instead: What are your long-term

career goals?

• What you can't ask: What do you think of interoffice dating?• What to ask instead: Have you ever been

disciplined for your behavior at work?

Goals

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• Each student was to have the opportunity to interview with a minimum of 2 different “employers”.

• Both interviewers and students were able to network with potential future colleagues.

• The event closed with an opportunity for the interviewers to provide general comments back to the students.

Scheduling

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• Opening speakers – 2 months before the event.• Venue – 2 months before the event.• Coordinated through hosting student chapter.

• Solicitations for volunteers – 1 month before the event.• Requested through section email distribution lists.

• Students – 3 weeks before the event.• Contacted through their practioner advisors.

Scheduling

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• Students and Interviewers paired – 1 week prior to the event.

• Student resumes collected – 1 week prior to the event.

• Although unintended - new faces appeared in the crowd of interviewers, who anticipating that the event would also provide an opportunity to network with prospective new hires.

Organization

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• Organized by an event chair and members of the following committee and groups:• YMF Outreach Committee• YMF Technical Committee• Practioner advisors• Students chapters

What worked well

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• Students provided great feedback.• Appreciate the “mock” interview setting• Developed confidence in ability to interview• Received feedback on improving abilities during

actual interviews.

• On average, 15 section and younger members volunteered.• Volunteers to speak and interview were exceptional.

What didn’t work well

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• Pairing students and interviewers difficult at times when trying to consider specific disciplines.

• Last minute cancellations or no-shows required overhaul of the proposed schedule.

Important Administrative Information:

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• Important to have one event chair (point of contact) that can coordinate both students and volunteers.• Coordination can be challenging.

• Event chair should not volunteer as an interviewer in order to help moderate event.

Important follow-up

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• Provide a survey to students on how what they felt was beneficial from the event.

• Discussions were held with interviewers on ways to more effectively use the time allotted and set maximum time allowances for each interview. • Both students and interviewers felt that the time

went by fast!

Outcome

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• Students indicated event was highly successful.• Prepared for future interviews• Built self-confidence

• Both students looking for entry-level and internship positions found benefits from attending.

• The event provided a networking opportunity for section members, younger members, and students.

• 3rd Interviewing Workshop to be held September 24, 2013.

Questions?

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• Questions?

• Contact information:Kemal Niksic, P.E., Associate

Hatch Mott MacDonald kemal.niksic@hatchmott.com

1600 W Carson St. Pittsburgh PA 15219-1031

T 412.497.2944